Diwali Mela
Contributed By - AZIndiatimes Correspondent
Deepavali Manayi Suhani, Mere Sai Ke Haathon Mein Jaaduu Ka Pani”
During those early days of his stay in Shirdi, this ordinary looking renunciate, who’s divinity was not widely known then, performed the miracle of lighting the diyas (earthen lamps) with water(!) instead of oil to celebrate Diwali. So, when in 1977 the famous movie “Shirdi Ke Sai Baba” was released the above song too became very popular and till date it is. Such is the significance of Diwali, the festival of lights!
This five-day long most famous, biggest and brightest festival of India is also celebrated as a national holiday in Trinidad & Tobago, Myanmar, Nepal, Mauritius, Guyana, Singapore, Suriname, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Fiji. It is an optional holiday in Pakistan. The fifteenth day of the Hindu month of Kartik is a significant day for not just the Hindus but also for others too. Nearly 800 million people celebrate Diwali in their respective ways - be it honoring Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, or celebrating the return of Rama and Sita after 14 years in exile, or the Jains celebrating the attainment of Moksha by Mahavira, or the Sikhs celebrating the release of their guruji – Guru Hargobind Sahibji – and 52 other kings and princess of India that were made captives by the mogul emperor Shah Jahan, or business people starting new accounting books, or farmers ending the harvest season, or in honor of the marriage of the Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, or to mark the triumph of the Lord Krishna over the demon Naraka, or honoring the fearsome Goddess Kali in Bengal, or remembering the laying of the foundation stone of the Golden Temple on the day of Diwali in 1577, or simply the victory of light over darkness or as a shopping festival!
This year Phoenix will witness one of the remarkable annual Diwali Mela organized by Indo-American Foundation Of Arizona which is attended by a massive number of visitors no less than a thumping crowd of five-thousand! A cultural event giving rise to many business opportunities apart from bringing the community members into a convivial atmosphere, celebratory mood and congenial bonding. This five-day carnival begins on Monday, November 5, 2018 with Dhanvantari Trayodashi or Dhanteras remembering Dhanvantari - the avatar of Lord Vishnu - the physician of Gods, who bestows sound health to his devotees. The next day (rather night) on November 6 is Naraka Chaturdashi, the fourteenth day of the Krishna Paksha of Ashwin month. Also known as Kali Chaudas, the most frightening night of the year. This night, Goddess Mahakali, Kaal Bhairav and Mata Meladi are worshipped and specific rituals and religious ceremonies are performed to appease the unhappy departed souls. Ekta Mandir will perform Havan, Hanuman Chalisa path and Maha Harathi in the evening. The new moon day is known as the Diwali day. Ekta Mandir invites all on November 7 to participate in the Dhan Laxmi Puja and Chooda Pujan at 6 PM followed by Family Wealth Light Lamping and Special Blessings. Diwali Special Activities are also set aside for the kids on this day. Day 4 or November 8 is the Nutan Varsha which will be celebrated with Annakut offerings and Govardhan Puja. All devotees are requested to bring their Annakut offerings. Bhaiyya Duuj falls on November 9 on which day Yam, the God of Death and His sister Yamunaji is worshipped.
As mentioned before, for business opportunities, sponsors can choose options like Grand, VIP, Daily Sponsor, Daily Aarti, and Mahaprasad. Food booths, business booths, non-profit booths with cultural programs & Diwali mela participations are open for interested parties. These five days will be the brightest in the history of Phoenix with Temple illuminations & decorations, fireworks, fascinating booths, food stalls, Diwali special Mithai sale, Annakut, etc. Interested couples may also opt for Laxmi Puja package. All five days, visitors are allowed free admission.
One of the biggest Diwali Mela organized in Phoenix. Make it even bigger and grander by your participation at Bharatiya Ekta Mandir.